Correct, if you started with SL depreciation, you have to keep it.
To enter an asset using straight-line depreciation, use these steps:
- Navigate to the area of your tax return where you want to enter a depreciable asset
- Click Add an Asset
- On the screen titled Describe This Asset, choose Intangibles, Other property then click Continue
- On the screen titled Tell Us a Little More, choose Other asset type then click Continue
- On the next screen, enter the details for the description, cost, and date purchased or acquired then click Continue
- On the next screen, continue adding details regarding the asset and click Continue
- Choose the appropriate asset class (class life) and click Continue
- Depending on the date the asset was placed in service, there may be an additional screen asking for more information
- Next, choose the Straight Line depreciation method, then click Continue
Straight-line is a depreciation method that gives you the same deduction, year after year, over the asset's useful life. The deduction amount is simply the asset's cost basis divided by its years of useful life. On a graph, the asset's value over time would appear as a straight line sloping downward, hence the name.
In contrast, the default MACRS depreciation method gives you a bigger tax deduction in the early years, while the asset is still new, and a smaller deduction towards the end of the asset's useful life.
Because most business property is depreciated with MACRS, that's the method that TurboTax applies by default. However, you can apply straight line depreciation if you want. In fact, straight-line is the only option available for intangible assets, which can't use MACRS nor Section 179.
If you opt for straight line depreciation:
- It must be applied to all your assets in the same class.
- You must continue to use straight line depreciation for the life of the asset; you can't switch to MACRS in the future.
Caution: Switching to straight line depreciation requires a comprehensive knowledge of depreciation methods, asset classes, and recovery periods. Even tax experts can get confused. For this reason, we advise against switching unless you are absolutely sure you know what you're doing.
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